The MFG Mobile Sauna, located in Halle, Germany, was manufactured by Friedrich Gerlach, Emil Löber, and Sophia Reissenweber with the aim of making use of public spaces in urban areas. The sauna — designed to fit on a small footprint, such as a car parking spot — offers a unique space for relaxation and interdisciplinary exchange for students and teachers at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle.
Inspired by the university's scenic location along the Saale River, the creators envisioned a mobile sauna that users could enjoy on or around the campus, with the opportunity to cool off in the river afterward. It accommodates four to five people, and can be assembled and moved by just three individuals.
Contrary to traditional saunas' wooden structures, the MFG Mobile Sauna uses materials — translucent polycarbonate panels — that emphasize transparency, blurring the lines between the interior and exterior. To ensure safety, the stove is fired from the outside, preventing exhaust fumes from entering inside.
Another standout feature is its transport mechanism: The standing leg converts into a foldable drawbar, allowing the sauna to be maneuvered on one axle, similar to a wheelbarrow. The overhanging roof acts as a counterweight during assembly and disassembly, ensuring stability. These features, combined with its lightweight frame, make it usable in various campus locations and public urban spaces.
Accessibility for students and teachers was a key consideration in the design process. To ensure this, the project was integrated into the university's website, along with a dedicated website providing instructions on proper sauna use. The energy source for the sauna is waste wood from the university's model construction workshops, made accessible through the internal ordering system managed by the employees.
The MFG Mobile Sauna demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance utility and accessibility of everyday structures, making it a valuable addition to the University, and certainly a perk for students and staff alike.
